The Gtech Community Stadium hosted one of the most enthralling derbies of the Premier League season on Monday night, as Brentford beat Fulham 3-2.
The Bees had the better of the first half, with Ethan Pinnock’s deflected shot giving them the lead before Manor Solomon’s well-taken effort leveled things up for the visitors. But a second-half penalty from Ivan Toney, followed by a superb goal from Mathias Jensen enabled Brentford to take all three points and move within a point of Fulham in the table.
The game began frenetically, with both teams looking to impose their style of play on the game. Brentford had the better of the early exchanges, and Bryan Mbeumo was unlucky not to have opened the scoring when his free-kick grazed the outside of the post.
However, Pinnock made the breakthrough, as his shot took a wicked deflection off a Fulham defender to leave Bernd Leno rooted to the spot. Fulham responded well to going behind, with Ademola Lookman and Joshua Onomah looking dangerous on either flank. They were rewarded for their persistence when Solomon, making his first Premier League start, showed his class by firing the equalizer past David Raya.
The second half began much as the first had ended, with both teams looking to get on the front foot. However, Brentford got the game’s crucial third goal, as Ivan Toney confidently dispatched a penalty after Christian Norgaard had been fouled in the box.
Toney almost had his brace moments later when his audacious effort from the center circle almost caught Leno out, but it was Jensen who sealed the victory for the Bees. The midfielder showed incredible determination and skill to weave through the Fulham defense before firing past Leno to give Brentford the lead.
Carlos Vinicius managed a late consolation for Fulham, firing home from close range after a scramble in the box, but it was too late for the Cottagers. The result sees Brentford move to within a point of Fulham in the table, and with two games in hand over their London rivals, it’s increasingly likely that the Bees will be in the hunt for a surprise European place come the end of the season.
It was a game full of drama, with both teams pushing for the win until the final whistle. Brentford’s victory was thoroughly deserved, and they will now be looking to build on this result and continue their impressive unbeaten run. As for Fulham, they have gone three games without a win and will be looking to return to winning ways as soon as possible.